Title: Newshub Announces Proposed Shutdown of Operations: Up to 200 Media Jobs at Risk
Wellington, New Zealand – In a shocking announcement on Wednesday, Warner Bros. Discovery, the multinational media conglomerate that owns New Zealand’s free-to-air television network Newshub, which airs on channel Three, revealed plans to close its newsroom operations, cease television news broadcasts, and shut down its Website effective from June 30. This proposed action could potentially result in the loss of up to 200 media jobs.
The company’s rationale for these significant changes is to further reduce costs as economic headwinds continue to impact the returns of free-to-air and news businesses. Glen Kyne, Senior Vice President at Warner Bros. Discovery in Australia and New Zealand, acknowledged the importance of Newshub as a vital component of New Zealand’s media sector.
Under New Zealand law, any proposed restructuring or redundancies require consultation before a final decision is announced. A final decision regarding this matter is anticipated in early April.
If the proposed shutdown comes to fruition, it will mark the end of 35-years of broadcast news on channel Three, leaving state-owned but editorially independent TVNZ as the primary producer of broadcast news in the New Zealand market.
Glen Kyne emphasized, “Free-to-air and news are expensive businesses to run. The economic headwinds mean the returns are not there.” Despite acknowledging the significance of Newshub, he asserted that these changes were necessary given the current circumstances.
Newshub announced on its Website that 200 journalists, producers, editors, camera operators, and associated staff could be affected by this proposed restructuring.
Warner Bros. Discovery reportedly intends to continue operating the digital platform ThreeNow and network channel Three. The channels will show programming from the network’s extensive library and locally produced content where funding can be secured.
